Pending Death Records

A record may be pending if the Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and the final results have not yet been determined. Sometimes insurance companies, banks, and others do not accept a certified copy of a death certificate if it is still pending. When you send your request, please note if you do not want the certificate while the death is still pending.

Records Outside Boston

For births, marriages, or deaths that occurred in another Massachusetts city or town, you can contact that local community or the Massachusetts State Office of Vital Records. The Massachusetts State Archives has records prior to 1921. The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records has records from 1921 to present.